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How are they supposed to feel...?

My LO is 6 weeks old and I am still struggling with BF and I am determined to get through this. The last few weeks my breasts feld engorged, and hard and full of milk, especially one side over the other. Today they both feel soft, there is milk but is this how they are supposed to feel or does this signify a low milk supply? Hopefully it is the former...?

Re: How are they supposed to feel...?

I was actually wondering the same thing! My LO is also 6 weeks and my breasts aren't as engorged and hard as they have been. I was thinking my body was finally adjusting to the correct amount of milk the baby needs, but wasn't 100 percent sure. Would like to hear what more exp. mom's think on this.

Re: How are they supposed to feel...?

I think you guys hit it on the nose! your body IS adjusting to its new supply and demand routine. They will become more soft like they were pre-milk, but at times such as letdown or if you havent nursed in several hours (especially in the beginning) they will become engorged. After a few months you probably wont have too many issues with becoming engorged like that. It will get better!

I'm Heather, SAHM to Cooper, born 1/2007
and Bennett, our precious NICU grad born 8/2009
and wife to Bill since 10/2003!
We're young, but we know we can do it!Life with the Stevens-blog

Re: How are they supposed to feel...?

OMG - I can't believe I have come to this point, it has been a rocky road till now! The question I have now is usually my breasts were engorged and when they got soft I knew he had enough- how do you tell now if he is full?
thanks so much!

Re: How are they supposed to feel...?

Originally Posted by jam

OMG - I can't believe I have come to this point, it has been a rocky road till now! The question I have now is usually my breasts were engorged and when they got soft I knew he had enough- how do you tell now if he is full?
thanks so much!

LOL thank you for asking the questions that have been on my mind!!! Your LO was born the day before mine, so guess we're in the same time frame with BF'ing.

Re: How are they supposed to feel...?

Yes! Your body is starting to switch from hormonal production to demand production. Meaning, you're not just making milk because you gave birth. You're making milk because baby is suckling and "demanding" your body to make milk.

Re: How are they supposed to feel...?

I've often wondered about this too! Thanks for the info- I notice that I only become engorged if I go too long between feedings, especially at night now that LO is sleeping a little bit longer. It's a relief to know that they should feel soft the rest of the time!!!

Re: How are they supposed to feel...?

Originally Posted by jam

OMG - I can't believe I have come to this point, it has been a rocky road till now! The question I have now is usually my breasts were engorged and when they got soft I knew he had enough- how do you tell now if he is full?
thanks so much!

You will soon get into the habit of feeling your boob...honestly..I do it in public and don't realise till siomeone looks at me funny! even though they are not engorged..you will still feel a slight difference between when they are full/empty. My whole breast doesn't go hard when full...but I can feel fullness in the centre IYKWIM...that is gone when empty and your LO will be full and milky